It is becoming clear that civilization as a social form is in fact an unsustainable model in nearly every aspect such as economics, politics, ecology, society and so on. Every civilization that has ever existed (excluding present company) has eventually collapsed. Traditionally the "bad guys" in that development was the barbarian, whose incursions and invasions dealt the coup de grace to the failing system. In fact, as some have realised, it was the natural-living, close-to-nature barbarian that renewed the collapsed civilization, having played a very small part in its destruction.

We are now at a critical point in our history. This is a global civilization which reaches to every corner. There are no "barbarians" outside the system either to destroy it or renew it. The barbarian at the gate is Nature itself which we have mistreated and abused. We are the authors of our own calamities. But all is not lost. Civilization, in its positive aspects, provides us with a way out.

In one of my Millennium essays I put forward the idea that civilization provides a unique "window of opportunity" on the spiritual level for humanity to collectively move beyond traditional limits to what mystics have called "cosmic consciousness", "the Omega point" or Universal enlightenment. That choice lies before us now, an imminent spiritual leap. The alternative is a social collapse, descent into Fascism, ecological disaster and numerous other evils which we must do our utmost to avoid. I truly believe that the choice is there for us to make and that collectively we can do it. Dare to Fly.